Baby Sign Language Helps With Establishing A Bedtime Routine
by Roz Jutras
(Saskatoon, SK, Canada)
Putting your little on to sleep can sometimes be a difficult task. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be very helpful for your child to be comfortable with falling asleep.
Below are some bedtime routine suggestions that you can use sign language to ease the transition from wakefulness to a deep sleep.
Adding Baby Sign Language to your Bath & Bedtime Routine
Adding sign language to your child's bedtime routine may help ease the transition from frantic play to a relaxing sleep. Below is a simple bedtime routine where you can add the weekly signs.
1. Bath Time: Sign the word BATH
2. Massage: Massage before or after bath
3. Brush Teeth: Sign the word BRUSH TEETH
(even though your baby may not have teeth yet, it is important to remove any bacteria by massaging the gums with a baby tooth brush or cloth)
4. Story Time: Sign the word BOOK. Choose a book with simple sentences that have some signs you are already familiar with (i.e. Good Night Moon).
5. Lullaby: Sign the word SLEEP now that it is time to sleep. Choose from the songs below to lull your child fast asleep.
Bedtime Songs (You may add sign language while singing to your little one)
"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
How I Wonder What You Are
Up Above The World So High
Like A Diamond In The Sky
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
"Come To The Window"
Come To The Window My Baby With Me
And Look At The Stars That Shine On The Sea
There Are Two Little Stars That Say Po-Beep
With Two Little Fish Far Down In The Deep
And Two Little Frogs Cry Neep, Neep, Neep
I See A Dear Baby That Should Be Asleep
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Response from Babies and Sign Language Team:
Wow, Roz! Fantastic! Thank you so much for the terrific baby sign language tips for bedtime!